ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
The Karnofsky prognostication scale is most appropriately used to screen patients with which medical diagnoses?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Karnofsky Prognostication Scale is commonly used in patients with terminal illness, such as AIDS, to assess their functional status and predict their prognosis. Patients with AIDS often experience rapid decline in health, making this scale useful in determining their overall well-being and potential outcomes. Incorrect choices: A: Respiratory diseases - The Karnofsky scale is not commonly used for screening patients with respiratory diseases. B: Cancers - While the Karnofsky scale can be used for cancer patients, it is most commonly associated with terminal illnesses like AIDS. C: Cardiac diseases - The Karnofsky scale is not typically used for screening patients with cardiac diseases.
Question 2 of 5
The principle of autonomy is best supported by what intervention made available to palliative care patients?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because autonomy in palliative care emphasizes the patient's right to make decisions about their own care. By helping the patient decide on the details of their advanced plan of care, healthcare providers respect the patient's autonomy and ensure their preferences guide the care provided. Arranging in-home health care (A) may be beneficial, but it does not directly support the patient's autonomy. Addressing pain management needs (B) is important but does not specifically relate to decision-making autonomy. Conducting a performance status screening (D) is relevant for assessing the patient's overall health but does not directly support their autonomy in decision-making.
Question 3 of 5
The key to organizational success for health care facilities is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: retaining professional nurses. Retaining professional nurses is crucial for organizational success in healthcare facilities as it ensures continuity of care, promotes staff morale, reduces turnover costs, and maintains high-quality patient outcomes. By retaining experienced and skilled nurses, organizations can benefit from their expertise, knowledge, and commitment to providing excellent patient care. A: Hiring younger, more energetic nurses may bring new perspectives and energy but does not guarantee the same level of experience and expertise as professional nurses. B: Offering incentives like sign-on bonuses may attract new hires, but it does not address the underlying issues that lead to nurse turnover. C: Hiring highly qualified advanced practice nurses is beneficial, but it does not address the importance of retaining all professional nurses within the organization.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is concerned about safe staffing levels at a facility and observes that several units have no RN coverage but instead have RNs who float among several units. In determining whether this staffing concern should be reported to an outside agency, the nurse understands that, with whistle-blowing:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because reporting unsafe staffing levels to The Joint Commission is an appropriate course of action for addressing concerns about patient safety. The Joint Commission is an independent organization that accredits healthcare facilities and promotes high-quality care standards. Whistleblower protection laws safeguard employees who report violations of laws, regulations, or standards that threaten public health or safety. Reporting to The Joint Commission can lead to an investigation and potential improvement in staffing levels to ensure patient safety. Incorrect answers: B: Keeping copies of documented inappropriate staffing patterns in the nurse's personal file is not illegal, but it may not be the most effective way to address the issue. C: Recording personal thoughts on outcomes is not as effective as taking action to report concerns to the appropriate regulatory body. D: Seeking guidance is important, but in cases of unsafe staffing levels, it is crucial to report the issue to the appropriate regulatory agency for resolution.
Question 5 of 5
The priority intervention to improve work-related quality of life for nurses is to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: provide safe harbors for unjust or unsafe work assignments. This is the priority intervention because ensuring a safe work environment is crucial for nurses' well-being and quality of life. By addressing unjust or unsafe work assignments, nurses can feel supported and protected, leading to improved job satisfaction and overall quality of life. Option B: improving nurse-physician communications is important but not as critical as ensuring a safe work environment. Option C: requiring professional development courses is beneficial but may not directly address the immediate concerns of nurses' quality of life. Option D: improving vertical working relationships is important, but addressing unsafe work conditions should take precedence for nurses' well-being.